When Urban Meyer and staff landed their ninth verbal commitment of the 2013 class back in April, they accomplished two things: they added even more talent to an already-loaded defensive front – and they avoided watching DL Tracy Sprinkle head to East Lansing to become a Spartan.

Sprinkle’s announcement was short and to the point, choosing to post a quick ‘Its official. #BuckeyeNation’ on Twitter. He became the second defensive lineman of Ohio State’s class of 2013, coming after DL Billy Price‘s February commitment. Meyer has since landed verbals from two more on the defensive front – DE Joey Bosa and, most recently, DT Michael Hill – who all join 2012 names such as Se’von Pittman, Tommy Schutt, Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington.

It was apparent very early on in Meyer’s tenure that his initial focus was aimed at the future of his defensive line. He wants smart, athletic, high-energy players on that side of the ball and Sprinkle fits the mold perfectly. He also brings added versatility to Columbus with him, proving his worth both as a defensive end and defensive tackle, a feat only accomplished with a certain mix of size, strength and speed.

We caught up with Tracy to talk future teammates, current recruiting efforts and…multiple National Championships.

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Empire: How much interaction have you had with Coach Vrabel, and what’s your impression of him?

Sprinkle: I have had a great interaction with coach Vrabel. He’s a great coach, ex player and most of all a great person.

BE: How much have you had an opportunity to speak with Coach Meyer?

TS: I have talked to him on every visit and I talk to him on the phone often.

BE: You had already been offered by Ohio State in April – and committed – yet you went on to the Ohio State camp two months after doing so. Why did you decide to attend even though you didn’t need a scholarship offer?

TS: I attended the camp to get a jump start with how things are ran. In my mind I will never settle. I still have much to prove.

BE: Who was the most impressive player that you saw at the Ohio State camp, of any position, and why?

TS: I saw Tyquan Lewis in my group and he was very impressive. We both are skilled workaholics!

BE: Who of your 2013 recruiting class do you talk with the most now, and are you working on any uncommitted recruits to help Coach Meyer further strengthen the class?

TS: I talk to Cam Burrows, Ezekiel Elliott, Jayme Thompson and Marcus Baugh all the time on Twitter. I’m still working on Tyquan.

BE: There are only a few spots left to fill in your recruiting class. In your opinion, who is the most important recruit left to get for the 2013 class, and why?

TS: I’m really not sure on the “most important” because they are all important if Coach Meyer extended out an offer.

BE: What was the final straw that made you choose Ohio State over Michigan State, and how did you inform OSU of your decision? Any story there?

TS: The final straw was the coaching staff. They were great leaders and great people. I called Coach Drayton and told him I was committing.

BE: Coach Meyer has obviously made a strong effort to beef up his defensive line with your class and the class prior, calling the extreme talent ‘borderline ridiculous’ at one point. Who are you looking most forward to playing with, and have you ever seen such talent come together at one position group before?

TS: I have never seen it. I’m looking forward to playing with former teammate Chase Farris, and all of the other guys, to work and make each other better.

BE: Given the opportunity to say whatever you want to Buckeye Nation, what do you say?

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